Restraint mechanism for a control lever

Abstract

In construction machines it quite common to utilize a plurality of control levers to manipulate a multitude of implements. It has often been a problem to quickly and accurately establish a connection between the control lever and the implement since the control lever is often quite some distance away from the mechanism that controls the implement. In many instances multiple personnel are required to properly assemble the various components. This leads to added expense and complexity of the assembly process. The present invention includes a restraint mechanism for a control lever that positively holds the control lever at a preselected location with respect to an established operational pattern. With the control lever locked in the preselected location, the connection of the control lever with the remaining components may be done in an extremely efficient and cost effective manner

I claim: 
     
       1. A restraint mechanism for a control lever, comprising: a base plate defining a preselected path of movement for the control lever, said pattern of movement defining a preselected location for a neutral position of the control lever;   a bail member having a recess defined therein and being mounted to the base plate for pivotal movement with respect thereto between a first position wherein the recess is in contact with the control lever to maintain said control lever in its neutral position, and a second position wherein the recess is moved away from contact with the control lever to permit movement of the control lever;   means for locking the bail member in one of said first and second positions, said locking means having a first and second detent defined on opposing sides thereof;   a spring member having a base member formed from sheet metal and a leg portion that extends upwardly from the base member, said leg portion further defining a projection thereon that is adapted to engage the first and second detents.   
     
     
       2. The restraint mechanism as set forth in claim 1 wherein the control lever controls an implement on a construction machine. 
     
     
       3. The restraint mechanism as set forth in claim 2 wherein the preselected pattern of movement of the control lever is shaped substantially in an "M" configuration having a first slot of movement corresponding to a first implement function, a second slot of movement corresponding to a second implement function, and a third slot of movement positioned between the first and second slots that corresponds to a third implement function. 
     
     
       4. The restraint mechanism as set forth in claim 3 wherein the implement is a winch assembly and the movement of the control lever in the first slot controls the direction of rotation of the winch in a first direction and the movement of the control lever in the second slot controls the rotation of the winch in a direction opposite that of the first slot, and movement of the control lever in the third slot controls the brake function of the winch assembly. 
     
     
       5. The restraint mechanism as set forth in claim 4 wherein the neutral position of the control lever is positioned for alignment with the third slot. 
     
     
       6. The restraint mechanism as set forth in claim 1 wherein the bail member is shaped generally in an inverted "W" configuration and has a first portion adapted for receipt within an aperture defined by a first bracket member secured to the base plate on a first side of the preselected path of movement and a second portion adapted for receipt within an aperture defined by a second bracket member secured to the base plate on a side of the preselected path of movement opposite that of said first bracket and a third portion connecting the first and second portions, said third portion having an angled portion formed therein to define the recess. 
     
     
       7. The restraint mechanism as set forth in claim 1 wherein the locking means includes a handle member fixedly attached to the bail member to rotate the bail member between its first and second positions. 
     
     
       8. The restraint mechanism as set forth in claim 7 wherein the handle member defines a first portion connected to the bail member and a second engaging portion that extends away from the bail member. 
     
     
       9. The restraint mechanism as set forth in claim 1, wherein the spring member is mounted to the base plate immediately subjacent the handle member, wherein engagement of the first detent with the spring member holds the bail member in its first position and engagement of the second detent with the spring member. 
     
     
       10. The restraint mechanism as set forth in claim 9 wherein a cam surface is defined on the first portion of the handle member, said cam surface extending between the first and second detents and defining a pair of lobes that are adapted to engage the spring member upon initiation of movement of the handle member between its first and second positions, to move the spring member out of engagement with the respective detent to permit rotation of the handle member and the bail member.